JRC to commence rail service expansion

THE JAMAICA Railway Corporation (JRC) is looking to commence work towards launching phase one of the tourist train service between Montpelier, St James,and Appleton Estate in St Elizabeth.

This engagement will involve, among other things, track reconstruction, acquisition of trains and constructing necessary infrastructure along the route.

The corporation also plans to kick-start preparations for the launch of passenger and freight train services between Spanish Town and Kingston.

Additionally, the company will finalise the rollout of commercial rail service from Bodles Junction to Linstead in St Catherine, specifically for transporting aggregates.

These activities form part of the JRC’s programmed continuation this year of strategies targeting the entity’s improved positioning to revitalise and expand rail service and optimise its financial performance.

Details of these and other engagements are contained in the Jamaica Public Bodies of Estimates and Expenditure for the Fiscal Year ending 2024/25.

The JRC is also expected to commence discussions with private investors to secure funding for building rail infrastructure, rehabilitating existing rolling stock, acquiring new trains and upgrading the entity’s Kingston workshop.

Meanwhile, the entity plans to continue the monetisation of real estate properties owned, to generate optimum returns on the portfolio.

The corporation is also looking to expand its leased lands and properties, while considering the implementation of a cashless rental collection system for tenants.

The JRC is a statutory body formed under the Jamaica Railway Corporation Act of 1960.